Vote Explanation for H.R. 1644 — STREAM Act

Sponsor: Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV-02)

Today, I voted against the STREAM Act, which passed the House 235–188. The legislation would delay an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that prohibits the dumping of coal byproducts within 100 feet of streams. Moreover, the bill would block the Interior Department from issuing any rules related to stream protection for at least one year. The EPA rule merely ensures that destroying mountains to mine coal does not also pollute streams and water sources. I care about preserving our natural resources and landscapes for the next generation, and so I oppose policies that would continue the flattening of mountains and the contamination of thousands of miles of streams.